Aryl ketals of polycyclic oxo compounds and processes

ABSTRACT

The intermediates and processes of this disclosure provide a new stereo-specific total synthesis of steroidal materials having known valuable pharmacological properties. A fundamental feature of this disclosure is the utilization of aryl ketals, preferably phenylenedioxy ketals derived from catechol as protective groups for oxo moieties in the polycyclic intermediates used in the aforesaid total synthesis.

United States Patent. [191 Rosenberger et al.

[4 1 Sept. 23, 1975 ARYLKETALS OF POLYCYCLIC OX0 COMPOUNDS AND PROCESSES Inventors: Michael Rosenberger, Caldwell;

Gabriel Saucy, Essex Fells, both of Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley,

Filed: May 24, 1973 App]. No; 363,443

US. Cl. 260/340.5; 260/340.7; 260/340.9;

260/345.9; 260/488 B; 260/586 H; 424/282 Int. Cl. C07D 317/48 Field of Search 260/340.5

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,655,695 4/1972 Andrews et al 260/340.5 3,692,803 9/1972 Hajos 260/340.5

Primary ExaminerPaul M. Coughlan, Jr. Assistant ExaminerJames H. Turnipseed Attorney, Agent, or FirmSamuel L. Welt; Jon S. Saxe; Raymond R. Wittekind [5 7] ABSTRACT The intermediates and processes of this disclosure provide a new stereo-specific total synthesis of steroidal materials having known valuable pharmacological properties. A fundamental feature of this disclosure is the utilization of aryl ketals, preferably phenylenedioxy ketals derived from catechol as protective groups for 0x0 moieties in the polycyclic intermediates used in the aforesaid total synthesis.

8 Claims, N0 Drawings ARYI KETALS ()l POLYCYCLIC ()XO (TOMIOUNDS AND PROCESSES This application is a divisional ofcopending U.S. Pat. Application Ser. No. 745]). filed Sept. 22. 1970 now US. Pat. No. 3.758.509. issued Sept. 11, 1973. which in turn is a continuation-in part of US. Pat. Application Ser. No. 1 1.023, filed Feb. [2. 1970, now U.Sv Pat. No. 3.708.500, issued Jan. 2. 1972. which itself is a continuation-in-part of US. Pat. Applications Ser. No. 824.319. filed May l3. 1969. now US. Pat.. Nov 3.544.600, issued Dec. 1, i970. and Ser. No. 815389. filed May 16. 1969, now abandoned.

Detailed Description of the Invention This invention is concerned with certain polycyclic compounds and with processes for their synthesis. More particularly this invention relates to novel derivatives of cyclopenta[f|ll]-benzopyrans and 7H- naphthol2,1-blpyrans. and to methods for their production. These compounds are useful as intermediates in syntheses of steroids and D-homosteroids, respectively. In syntheses of steroidal materials steric considerations are ofgreat significance. The most used steroidal compounds are those having a C/D-trans ring junction with the substituent in the l3-position being in the B-stereoconliguration. The present invention provides a facile total synthesis of 13fi-C/D-transsteroidal materials. This desirable result is obtained via a unique asymmetric induction with optical specificity preserved in subsequent reaction steps. A particular aspect ol'this invention resides in the use of arylenedioxy ketals as protective groups for intermediate compounds in the synthesis of steroids. Arylenedioxy ketals exhibit unexpected advantages over other ketal protective groups. cg. alkylenedioxy ketals in that the former groups are more stable to the reaction conditions employed in the synthesis thus providing substantially higher yields of desired end products. This is particularly true in the case of steps requiring oxidation in the presence of acid. t

In a major aspect, this invention is concerned with novel derivatives of eyelopenta[f][l]ben2opyrans having the trieyclic nucleus and novel derivatives of naphtho[2,l-hlpyrans having the tricyclic nucleus These novel compounds are generally defined by the formula:

YCH2 M wherein Y is B is the remaining residue of an aryl group which may be monocyclic or bicyclic and which may bear one or more additional substituents selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl and lower alkoxy; R is a primary alkyl group of from 1 to 5 carbon atoms: R is hydrogen, lower primary alkyl, or lower aeyl; R R R R are each independently hydrogen or lower alkyl; Z is carbonyl or a group of the formula R is hydrogen or lower acyl; R is hydrogen or lower aliphatic hydrocarbyl; T represents either a single or a double bond; U represents a single or a double bond and isa single bond when T is a single bond; m is an integer having a value of l to 2; n is an integer having a value of'from to l and is 0 when T represents a double bond and is 1 when T represents a single bond; r is an integer having a value of from 0 to l and is (J when T is a double bond and i when T is a single bond; and .r is an integer having a value of from 0 to l and is 0 when U is a double bond and 1 when U is a single bond.

As used throughout the specification and appended claims. the term hydrocarbyl group" denotes a monovalent substituent consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen; the term hydroearbylene" denotes a divalent substituent consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen and having its valence bonds from different carbons; the term aliphatic." with reference to hydrocarhy] or hydrocarbylene groups, denotes groups containing no aromatic unsaturation, but which can be otherwise saturated or unsaturated, i.e., an alkyl or alkylene, or an aliphatic group containing olefinic or acetylenic unsaturation; the term alkyl group denotes a saturated hydrocarbyl group, whether straight or branched chain; the term primary alkyl group denotes an alkyl group having its valence bond from a carbon bonded to at least two hydrogens; the term alkoxy denotes the group R'O--, where R is alkyl; the term acyl group denotes a group consisting of the residue of a hydrocarbyl monocarboxylic acid formed by removal of the hydroxyl portion of the carboxyl group; the term oxyhydrocarbyl denotes a monovalcnt saturated cyclic or acyclic group consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen containing only one oxygen in the form of an ether linkage; and the term lower" as applied to any of the foregoing groups denotes a group having a carbon skeleton containing up to and including eight carbons, such as methyl, ethyl, butyl, tert.-butyl, hexyl, 2- ethylhexyl, vinyl butenyl, hexenyl, ethinyl, ethylene, methylene, formyl, acetyl, 2-phenylethyl, benzoyl, methoxymethyl, l-methoxyethyl, tetrahydropyranQ-yl, methoxy, ethoxy, and the like.

In the formulas presented herein the various substituents on cyclic compounds are joined to the cyclic nucleus by one of three notations, a solid line indicating a substituent which is in the B-orientation (i.e., above the plane of the paper), a dotted line indicating a substituent which is in the a-orientation (below the plane of the paper), or a wavy line mindicating a substituent which may be in either the aor B-orientation. The position of R has been arbitrarily indicated as the ,B-orientation, although the products obtained in the examples are all racemic compounds unless otherwise specified.

Preferred compounds are those wherein Y is 3,3-(arylenedioxy)butyl wherein the arylenedioxy group, when taken with the 3-carbon of the butyl radical, forms a dioxolane ring system, especially 3,3- (phenylenedioxy)-butyl, 3,3-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)- butyl and 3,3-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)-butyl; R, is n-alkyl, especially methyl and ethyl; and, when s has a value of l, the 9a- (when m is l) or lOa- (when m is 2) hydrogen is transoriented with respect to R Subgeneric to the tricyclic compounds of formula I are the 3-substituted 6aB-alkyl-l ,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8- octahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyrans (by alternate nomenclature 3-substituted-6a,B-alkyl-2,3,5,6a,8- hexhydro-lH-cyclopentalf][l]-benzopyrans) and the 3-substituted-6aB-alkyll ,2,5,6,6a,7,8,9-octahydro- 3H-naphtho[2,l-b]pyrans (by alternate nomenclature 3-substituted-6aB-alkyl-l ,2,3,5 ,6,6a,8,9-octahydro- 7l-l-naphtho[2,l-b]pyrans), hereinafter referred to as dienes, having the formula:

YCH l1 wherein R R R 2, Y, and m are as defined above; and the 3-substituted-6aB-alkyl-4ahydroxyperhydrocyclopenta[f] [l]benzopyrans and the 3-substituted-6aB-alkyl-4a-hydroxyperhydro-SH- naphtho[2,l-b]pyrans and their lower alkyl ethers and monoacyl esters, hereinafter referred to as perhydro compounds represented by the formula:

wherein R R R R Z, Y and m are as defined above,

This invention is concerned with a method for producing the compounds of formula I via the following general reaction scheme:

5 R12 I i l tcn H ar -H011 014:0 1

wherein Y, R R R R Z, and m are as defined above; and V is hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower acyl.

Thus, the process of this invention comprises the general steps of (l) condensation of a substituted 7 hydroxy-l-alken-3-one or a variant thereof (11), as defined below, with a 2-alkylcycloalkane-1,3-di0ne (111), as defined above, to produce diene (la); (2) saturation ofthe 9,9aor 10,10a-double bond ofdicne (la) to produec monoene (lb); and (3 introduction ofa hydroxy, alkox y, or acyloxy group at the ia-position and a hydrogen atom at the 912- or lOb-positionof monene (lb) to produce pcrhydro compound (lc). It is to be understood thatthe 'foregoing reaction sequence is merely schematic in nature, and that each depicted step can represent only one or more than one reaction, as will be more fully described herein.

l-Alken-3-one compounds of formula [1 are employed as one of the starting materials for the foregoing reaction sequence. Illustrative examples of these 1' alken-3-ones include the 11,1l-arylenedioxy-7- hydroxy-l-alken3-ones, preferably 11,11- phenylenedioxy7-hydroxy-l-dodecen-3-one.

The 11.1 l-arylenedioxy-7-hydroxy-ldodecen 3-ones of formula ll above the cyclic variations thereof are readily synthesized from 4,4-ethylenedioxy-l chloropcntane as per the following reaction sequence:

0 c1 l JIHO afizo OH O C j O H B v ny c Grignard 0 g MnO R gl-i o \\;E CH *(EHMaX II c I: 2. (or variant) CH =CHMgX OH OH B where B is as above, C is alkylenedioxy, preferably ethylenedioxy or arylenedioxy, preferably phenylenedioxy, X is a halide, preferably chloride, R is as hereinafter described and R is lower alkyl.

As indicated in the above sequence in one embodiment 4,4-alkyleneor phenylenedioxyl -chloropentane (a) is converted to the Grignard by treatment with magnesium metal. This reaction may be activated by the addition of a crystal of iodine to the reaction medium. The Grignard is then reacted with glutaraldehyde (b) to yield a hemiacetal (c). Conversion of this hemiacetal to formula [I compounds may be accomplished by alternative routes. In a first route, where C is B, the hemiacetal (c) is reacted with vinyl Grignard in an ethereal solvent, e.g., tetrahydrofuran at 20 to 10C to yield the vinyl hydroxy compound (g). Treatment of (g) with manganese dioxide and R H at room temperature in a hydrocarbon solvent yields compounds of formula II.

The hemiacetal (0) may also be oxidized utilizing a chemical oxidizing agent, e.g., silver nitrate, bromine, sodium dichromate bihydrate or potassium dichromate to yield the lactone (d). It is preferable that when the ketal moiety C is arylenedioxy that the oxidizing agent used be other than bromine due to the possibility of bromination of the aromatic ring..It is also possible to oxidize the hemiacetal (c) catalytically using oxygen and a noble metal catalyst, e.g., platinum black. Where C is arylenedioxy in lactone (d), the lactone may be converted directly to compounds of formula II by reaction with vinyl Grignard in ethereal solvent, e.g., tetrahydrofuran at temperatures below 0, preferably C. to 45C.

Where C in lactone (d) is alkylenedioxy, the lactone is treated with aqueous acid to hydrolyze the ketal group to form the keto lactone (e). Treatment of the keto lactone with the desired dihydroxy aryl compound such as, for example, catechol, 4,5-dimethylcatechol or a 1,2 or 2,3-naphthdiol, preferably in an inert organic solvent, eg., an aromatic hydrocarbon such as benzene, toluene or xylene, preferably benzene under conventional conditions, e.g., at reflux.

The aforesaid ketalization reaction may produce a ketal half-ester as an intermediate which is readily convertible into the desired arylenedioxy lactone upon distillation.

Compounds of formula ll are then obtained from said arylenedioxy lactones (f) by the selective addition of vinyl Grignard, e.g., vinyl magnesium chloride to the lactone at lower temperatures, e.g., below 0C., most preferably at about 45C.=in an inert organic solvent medium such as a'n etheric solvent, preferably diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane. or

the like.

In an alternative procedure, ketal lactones of formula d wherein C B 'ma'y be conveniently prepared from the aryienedi ox'yk e't al"(hf by reaction with a 5 -oxopentanoic acid ester, e. the ethyl ester at atemprature of about 6()C. to C. in tetrahydrofuran.

Because of the susceptibility of the vinyl group of the 7-hydroxy-l-alken-3-one to decomposition. it is desirable, although not essential, that this compound be converted to more stable variants, such as those of the formula:

YcmcHcHcHcmc-tcrimR ll-a n i-z vwherein R R Y and V are as defined above; and R is chloro, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower hydrocarbylamino or di(lower hydrocarbyl)amino.

As exemplary, these compounds of formula II-a are readily produced from the vinyl ketones of formula II by known techniqques. For example, l-chloro-7- hydroxyalkan-3-ones are ,obtained by the anti- Markownikoff reaction ofthe vinyl compound with hydrogen chloride in known manner. l-Hydroxy and lalkoxy derivatives are obtained by the base-catalyzed reaction of water or a lower alkanol, for example, methanol. with the vinyl ketone. Additional derivatives are formed by the reaction of the vinyl ketone with a mono(lower hydrocarbyl)- or di(lower hydrocarbyl)- amine to form the Mannich base l-(lower hydrocarbyl- )aminoor l-di(lower hydrocarbyl)amino-7- hydroxyalkan-S-one. A particularly advantageous procedure is to oxidize a hydroxy vinyl compound e.g. formula (g) with manganese dioxide in the presence of such an amine. In some instances, particularly in large scale commercial operation, it may be desirable to con vert the Mannich base to its crystalline acid addition salts, particularly quaternary ammonium salts. All of the chloro, hydroxy, alkoxy, and aminoalkanones yield the alkenones of formula II under the conditions of the condensation with the 2-alkylcycloalkane-1,3-dione.

The compounds of formula II as is evident from the previously described reaction sequence can be used in the form of still another variant. This is the cyclized variant comprising a cyclic hemiketal, i.e., 2- tetrahydropyranol of the formula: I

IIb

pounds of formula Ila wherein R has the aforesaidmeanings and the compounds of formula-llb are isomers. These isomers exist in the form ofa ketone of formula Ila or in the form of the cyclic hemiketal of t'or mula llb or as an equilibrium mixture of the two forms,

Whether a particular Mannich base of formula lIa exists in that form or the hemiketal form or in an equilibrium mixture consisting primarily of one or the other will depend upon the environmental conditions in which it is placed, such as temperature, solvent, and pH of reaction medium, as well as the particular meaning of Y and R or R Either form is useful for the pur poses of this invention since these isomers are used in a reaction with compounds of formula III. infra, and either the acyclic form of formula Ila or the cyclic hemiketal form of formula llb is useful for this purpose. A particular advantage of the cyclic form is its greater stability as compared with the acyclic form and also as compared with the vinyl ketones of formula II, In order to obtain the cyclic form it is essential that in the compound of formula Ila, V is hydrogen. Acidic conditions shift the equilibrium away from the cyclic form. Use of an optically active amine, e.g., oz-phenylethylamine, offers the advantage of resolving the compound, for example, via salt formation, e.g., the oxalate salt, to give an optically pure isomer of formula Ila or llb which is then used either in the form of the free base, as the salt or as a lower alkanol adduct, e.g., methanol adduct in the remainder of the reaction sequence of this invention and when coupled with the unique asymmetric in duction and preservation of optical, specificity thereof offers a facile route to optically pure steroidal materials.

As is indicated above, the 7-hydroxy group of the 7- hydroxydodecanone of formula II or Ila can be esterified or etherified for the condensation reaction with the cycloalkanedione. These reactions can be effected in known manner. For example, the 7-hydroxyalkan- 3-one can be reacted with a carboxylic acid or an acid chloride to produce an ester, or can be converted to an ether by either (1) preferably, known acid catalyzed etherifications, e.g., with isobutylene or dihydropyran or (2) conversion of the 7-hydroxyalken-3-one to its sodium salt followed by reaction of the salt with an alkyl halide. In the event R,; is hydrogen, this hydroxyl group is also etherified or esterified.

The starting material of formula II or variant thereof can either be used in racemic form or in optically active form. When used in optically active form, the 7S- antipode is preferred for reasons more fully explained below.

The second reactant employed in the condensation is generall mentioned above is a 2(lower alkyl)cycloalkane-l ,3-dione of the formula:

III

wherein R and m are as defined above.

These compounds are known compounds and descrip tion of their synthesis is accordingly unnecessary. Suitable compounds include Z-methylcyclopentane-l,3- dionc, Z-ethylcyclopcntane-l,3-dione, 2-propylcyclopentane-l,3-dione, 2-butylcyclopcntane-l.3-dione. 2- methylcyclohexanel ,3-dione, and'the like.

The conditions for the condensation of ketone (ll) or variant (Ila or llb) with cyclic dione (III) are not narrowly critical, although it is preferred. particularly when the acyclic ketone is charged as the vinyl ketone, that a nonoxidizing atmosphere, e.g.. nitrogen or ar gon, be employed. It is further preferred that an antioxidant, for example, phenolic compounds such as hydroquinone, be present. Furthermore, the reaction can be conducted in the absence or presence of acid or base promoters. Suitable basic promoters include those heretofore known to promote the Michael condensation, including inorganic bases, for example, alkali metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide," and organic bases, including alkali metal alkoxides, for example, sodium or potassium methoxide or ethoxide, and ammonium hydroxides, particularly benzyltrialkylammmonium hydroxide. A preferred class of base promoters are the amines, especially tertiary amines and most preferably pyridine-type compounds such as pyridine and the picolines. Acid promoters which can be employed include organic carboxylic acids such as acetic acid or benzoic acid; organic sulfonic acids such as p'toluenesul fonic acid; and mineral acids such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, bydrochloric acid, and the like/The amount of promoter employed is not narrowly critical and canfvary from catalytic amounts to molar amounts.

The ratio of ketone (ll) or variant (lla or llb) to cyclic dione (lll) is not narrowly critical, although approximately equimolar amounts are preferred. Although there is no particular advantage to the use of excesses of either reactant, the cycloalkanedione can be more readily employed in excess because, due to its general low solubility in known organic solvents, unreacted cycloalkanedione can be easily recovered from thc reaction mixture.

The reaction temperature is not critical and can vary from room temperature or below to reflux temperature or higher. The condensation is preferably conducted in the presence of an inert solvent to insure a fluid reaction mixture and uniform reaction temperatures. Suitable solvents include tertiary alcohols such as ten.- butanol; aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, hexane, octane, benzene, xylene, toluene, and the like; ethers such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and the like; chlorinated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and the like; as well as dipolar aprotic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide and the N,N-disubstituted amides such as dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide.

The product of the condensation, depending upon the nature of vinyl ketone or variant (ll, lla or llb) and- /or the reaction promoter employed, can be one or more of the compounds having the formulae:

wherein R R R V, Y, and m are as defined above.

When vinylketone (ll) is a 7-alkoxyor 7-acyloxy compound, the .product will be a compound of formula IV. However, when the vinyl ketone is a 7,-hydroxy compound, or the reaction conditions are sufficient to convert a 7-alkoxyor 7-acyloxy group, if present, the product will depend upon the promoter.

When the promoter is an acid or a relatively weak base, such as pyridine, or when no promoter is employed at all, the reaction product obtained from the 7-hydroxy vinyl ketone is the diene, i.e., tricyclic enol ether (la-1). When a strong base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, is employed as a promoter, a crystalline product having the formula VI is isolated, although compounds of formulae IV and V are also present in the reaction mixture. However, the compounds of formulae IV, V and Vi, upon treatment with an acid, sue-h as acetic acid, para-toluenesulfonic acid, or sulfuric acid, readily form the diene, i.e., tricyclic enol ether (la-l It should also be noted that the conversion of the acyloxy or alkoxy groups of compound (IV) to a hydroxy group in an acidic medium is accompanied by cyclization to enol ether (la-l The condensation of a vinyl ketone of formula ll or a variant thereof of formula lla or llb with a cycloalkanedione of formula [II is one of the key features of this reaction. his in this condensation that specific stereochemical induction at one member of the critical C/D-ring junction of the eventual steroidal product occurs. Thus, this invention is particularly advantageous in that it involves a unique asymmetric induction. Thus, the products of the condensation, i.e., the dienones of formula la-l ,have at least two asymmetric centers at positions 3 and 6a permitting theoretically of two racemates or four optical antipodes. However, as a result of the condensation of this invention, when using a racemic starting material of formulas ll, Ila or llb wherein R and R are both hydrogen only a single racemate of formula la-l results and when using an optically active starting material of formulas II, Ila or llb wherein R and R are both hydrogen onlya single optical antipode of formula Ia-l results. It has further been found that when starting with a compound of formula II or Ila with a 7S-stereoconfiguration or of formula II!) with corresponding stereoconfiguration there is obtained the more desirable optical antipode of formula Ial having a oafi-stereoconfiguration. Thus, to prepare steroidal materials having the more desired 13B- stereoconfiguration by the synthesis of this invention one can either start with the antipode of formula II, Ila or llb, which can be prepared by resolving a racemic compound of formula II, Ila or Ilb, or one can resolve at some intermediate stage subsequent to the conden sation with a cycloalkanedione of formula III or one can resolve the end-product steroidal material. In any event, the unique asymmetric induction concurrent to the condensation of this invention renders the obtention of a single optical antipode as an end-product more facile. The simultaneous formation of the dienol ether of formula Ia-l with unique asymmetric induction is a special advantage of this inventionv The dienes of formula la in the presence of water and acid, e.g., sulfuric acid in acetone. aqueous acetic acid or aqueous hydrochloric acid in dioxane, undergo acid hydrolysis to form indenones of the formula wherein R,, R R Y and m have the same meaning as above. The indenones of formula Ia are themselves convertible to compounds of formula Ia via dehydration, for example, via acid catalyzed azeotropic distillation in benzene. Suitable acid catalysts are p-toluenesulfonic acid, potassium bisulfate, boron trifluoride etherate and the like. This reversible hydrolysis of compounds of formula la is useful in their preparation and purification. Thus, in instances where the direct purification of compounds of formula la is difficult it is often more facile to hydrolyze the compound of formula Ia to a compound of formula la, which can then be purified, for example, by chromatography, and subsequently be reconverted to the desired compound of for mula la via dehydration.

The ketodienes of formula Iul are readily converted to the corresponding 7B-alcohols and their esters as represented by the formula:

YCH

wherein Y, R R R R and m are as previously defined, by the sequence of reactions comprising reduction of the ketone to the alcohol and, if desired, subsequent esterification.

The reduction can be effected by any of the known methods for the chemical reduction of a ketonc, e.g., by reaction of dienone (la-l) with an alkali metal or Group lll metal reducing agent. By the term alkali metal, as employed herein, is meant a Group Imetal having an atomic number of from 3 to 19, inclusive, i.e., lithium, sodium, and potassium. Group lll metals include those having atomic numbers of from 5 to 13, inclusive, i.e., boron and aluminum. Illustrative exam plcs of these reducing agents include an alkali metal, preferably lithium or sodium, in liquid ammonia or a liquid aliphatic amine; tri(lower alkoxy)aluminum compounds such as triisopropoxyaluminum; di(lower alkyl)-aluminum hydrides such as diethylaluminum hydridc and diisobutyl-aluminum hydride; alkali metal- Group III-metal complex hydrides such as lithium aluminum hydride, sodium aluminum hydride, and sodium borohydride; tri(lower alkoxy)alkali metal-Group III- metal complex hydrides such as trimethoxy lithium aluminum hydride and tributoxy lithium aluminum hydride; diisobutyl aluminum hydride and the like. The alkali metal-Group III-metal complex hydrides are preferred as reducing agents, with the nonalkaline reagents, such as lithium aluminum hydride, being especially preferred.

This reaction is effected in any suitable inert reaction medium, such as hydrocarbons, e.g., cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, and xylene; ethers, e.g., diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, and tetrahydrofuran. Protic solvents, such as water or alcohols, should not be employed when lithium aluminum hydride is the reducing agent, but can be employed with sodium borohydride.

The remaining reaction conditions are not narrowly critical, although it is generally preferred to effect the reduction at reduced temperatures, i.e., below about room temperature (about 2025C.). Temperatures in the range of from about 0C. to about room temperature are normally employed.

The free alcohol is recovered from the reaction mixture after treatment of the mixture with acid. The alcohol can be esterified in known manner, for example, by base-catalyzed reaction with a carboxylic acid halide or carboxylic acid anhydride. Illustrative bases include in' organic bases such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and organic bases such as a sodium alkoxy or an amine, especially a tcrtiaryamine. and more particularly, pyridine and the picolines.

The ketodienes of formula la-l can also be converted to their 7B-hydroxy-7a-hydrocarbyl derivatives represented by the formula:

wherein Y, R R R R and m are as previously defined and R is lower hydrocarbyl by reaction of the ketodiene with a Grignard reagent of the formula:

R MgX Vll wherein R is as previously defined and X is a halogen having an atomic number of from 17 to 35, inclusive (i.e., chlorine or bromine).

This Grignard reaction is conducted in known manner. For example, the Grignard reaction is prepared by reacting a hydrocarbyl halide with magnesium in an ether reaction medium, for example, ethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran, at elevated temperature, generally in the range of from about 40 to about 75C. The ketodiene (la-l) is then added to the Grignard solution at about room temperature, although higher or lower temperatures can be employed. The resulting reaction product is hydrolyzed to produce the free alcohol. which can .be esterified as discussed above.

Alternatively, the alcohols can be prepared by reaction of ketodiene (la-l with a hydrocarbyl alkali metal compound such as methyl lithium, sodium acetylide, potassium acetylide, and the like.

The second step of the general synthesis of the tricyclic compounds, of this invention comprises conversion of the dienes of formula la to the monoenes of formula lb by catalytic hydrogenation. Suitable catalysts include the noble metals, such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, and the like, as well as Raney nickel and other hydrogenation catalysts. These catalysts can be employed in the form of the metal alone, or can be deposited on suitable support materials, such as carbon, alumina, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, and the like. Palladium and rhodium are preferred as catalysts. The hydrogenation is preferably conducted in the presence of inert solvents such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, and the like. The reaction conditions of pressure and temperature are not narrowly critical, and normally a hydrogen pressure of about one atmosphere and a temperature of about room temperature are employed. These ambient conditions are generally preferred to avoid significant hydrogenation of the 4a,9b( l0b)-double bond, although more severe conditions, for example, up to about 100C. and up to about 100 atmospheres, can be employed if desired. The hydrogenation medium can be acidic, neutral, or basic, as

may be desired, although neutral media, such as hydrocarbons, e.g., toluene or hexane, or basic media, such as an alcohol-base, methanolsodium hydroxide, mixture are preferred for best results. In general. hydrogenation of the diene of formula laleads to the corresponding monoene of formula lbJHowever, in the event R is an unsaturated'hydrocarbyl radical, the. hydrogenation, in addition to hydrogenating'the ring double bond, also hydrogenates the 7a-hy'drocarbyl substituent, converting it to an alkyl group.

Via the aforesaid catalytic hydrogenation C/D-trans compounds are formed in a major proportion when hydrogenating a diene of formula [0-2. This method thus provides an advantageous synthesis of C/D-trans steroidal materials. When hydrogenating a diene of formula la- 1 C/D-cis compounds are formed in a major proportion. This method thus provides an advantageous synthesis of C/D-cis steroidal materials,

Compounds wherein Z is carbonyl, asrepresented by the formula:

wherein Y, R R R and m are as previously defined, can be converted to the corresponding alcohols or esters of the formula:

wherein Y, R R R R and m are as previouslydefined, or to the 7B-hydroxy-7oz hydrocarbyl compounds of the formula:

wherein Y, R,, R R R R and m are as previously defined, by the techniques discussed above regarding the dienes of formula In.

When Z is carbonyl and the hydrogenation is effected under basic conditions, there is a tendency toward the production of predominantly the 6a/9a( lOa)-ciscompound; that is, the hydrogen atom in the 9a('l0a)- position of formula lb-l is predominantly in the B-orientation. When these compounds are intended as intermediates for the synthesis of steroids having the C/D- trans-orientation, this technique is not particularly desirable. Although the ratio of ,B- to a-orientation falls to about 111 at neutral conditions when hydrogenating a compound wherein Z is carbonyl, it is preferred to hydrogenate a 7B-alcohol or ester of formula Ia2 because the products of this hydrogenation are predominantly the 6a/9a( lOa)trans-compounds. Compounds of formula la-3 when subjected to the hydrogenation yield a ratio of B- to a-orientation in between that of the compounds of formula la-l and that of the compounds of formula la-Z. When monoenes of formula lb l having C/D-trans configuration are desired, it is preferable to first reduce the dienone of formula la-l to a corresponding hydroxy compound of formula la-2 prior to the catalytic hydrogenation. Following the catalytic hydrogenation the carbonyl moiety in formula lb-l can be regenerated by conventional means, such as oxidation with CrO The monoene compounds of formula lb prepared by the above-described hydrogenation contain at least three asymmetric center at positions 3, 6a and 9a when m is one and at positions 3, 6a and 10a when m is two. With respect to these three centers there are thus eight antipodal configurations possible. By virtue of the unique asymmetric induction of this invention, pro ceeding from a racemic starting material of formula ll, lla or llb only four of these antipodes of formula lb are prepared and proceeding from an optically active starting material of formula ll, Ila or llb only two of these antipodes of formula lb are prepared. Moreover, by the above-described hydrogenation of this invention and by appropriate selection of the 7-substituent in the diene of formula la subjected to the hydrogenation there can predominantly be prepared the desired 61:,- 9I( l()a)-trans-stereo configuration. ThusQthe eventual obtention of the more desired 13,8-C/D-transconfiguration in the ultimate steroidal products is rendered more facile by the stereoselective reactions pro vided by this invention.

The final reaction of applicants general process for the compounds of this invention is the conversion of the monoene of formula lb to the perhydro compound of formula lc by reaction of the monoene with a com pound having the formula:

Vlll

wherein R is as previously defined. That is, the monoene of formula lb is reacted with water, a primary alcohol, or a carboxylic acid. This reaction is catalyzed by mineral or organic acids, for example, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, para-toluenesulfonic acid, and the like. Sulfuric acid is the preferred acid catalyst, and water the preferred reactant. Although not necessary, it is desirable to conduct this reaction in the presence of an added solvent, particularly in the event the compound of formula VIII is water. In this case, it is desirable to employ a solvent which is both miscible with water and a solvent for the monoene of formula [17. Solvents of this nature include acetone, tert.butanol, dioxane, and the like. The reaction temperature is not critical, and ambient temperature is normally employed, although higher and lower temperatures could be employed if desired.

As with the compounds of formulae la-l and lh-l the compounds of general formula lc wherein Z is carbonyl:

YCH

Ic-l

R20 II1 YCH wherein Y, R,, R R R R and m are as previously defined. or the Bhydroxyd-hydr0carbyl compounds:

lie-3 wherein R., R R R R and m are as previously defined, by the previously describedmethods.

In a modification of the'general technique outlined above, one cansimultaneouslyeffect the hydrogenation and hydration steps, for example, by hydrogenation ofa diene of formula la in aqueous'sulfu'ric acid. When this simultaneous hydrogenation-hydroation reaction is effected, it is preferred to begin with a diene having a hydroxyl group in the 7B-position.

Asindicatedabove, the 'tricyeliccompounds which form part ofthe-present invention are useful-as'inte rmediates for the preparation of various steroid compounds, particularly l9-norsteroids of the normal series, as illustrated by the following reaction scheme.

wherein R R R R R Y, Z and m are as above.

In the first step of this reaction scheme, the compound of formula lc is oxidized to form bicyclic compound of the formula X by contactwith such oxidizing agents as chromic acid, potassium dichromate, or potassium permanganate. Jones reagent (chromic acid,

XII

sulfuric acid and acetone), or a chromic acid-acetic acid mixture are preferred as oxidizing agents. The nature of Z is unchanged in this reaction, except when Z is hydroxymcthylene [CH(OH)]. In this instance, unless the hydroxyl group is protected, as by formation of a lower acyl ester, it is oxidized to form a carbonyl group. A hydroxylated product is readily obtained, however, by hydrolysis ofa product ester. The reaction temperature is not narrowly critical, and temperatures in the range of from 0 to about 75C. are suitable, al-

though ambient temperatures are preferred.

In the second step, bicyclic compound (X) is treated with acid or base to effect cyclization to (Xl). In this reaction, it is preferred that the water of reaction be removed, as by refluxing the reaction mixture with an azeotroping agent in the presence of a strong acid and separating the water from the condensate. Suitable strong acids are .sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, potassium bisulfate and the like. Alternatively, base catalyzed dehydration can-be utilized, for example, by refluxing compound (X) in the presence of methanolic sodium hydroxide.

The hydrogenation of cycle-olefin Xl is preferably effected with'a noble metal catalyst, e.g., a palladiumcharcoal'catalyst or a rhodium catalyst. Mild conditions are'generally employed, e.g., room temperature and atmospheric pressure are convenientconditions for this reaction. The hydrogenated compound of formula Xla is converted to the desired l9-nor-steroid of formula XXl'by heating it, preferably at reflux, with dilute aqueous acid, preferably a mineral acid such as hydrochloric vacid in a lower alkanol solvent medium, preferably methanol.

Compounds of formula Xl wherein Z is carbonyl can be converted into corresponding pregnane compounds i.e., compounds in which Z is of the formula by known procedures. Thus, for example, l9nor-14}3- androst-4-ene-3,l7-dione can be converted into l9-nor-14B,l7a-progesterone. These procedures for converting androst-l7-ones into pregnanes are best effected if all carbonyl groups than that in the l7-position are initially protected.

As has been pointed out above, the products of this invention are produced in the form of various optically active antipodes which can be carried through the entire reaction sequence, or which can be resolved at suitable places during the reaction sequence. For example, at any stage wherein a compound having a secondary hydroxy] group is present. such as hydroxytetrahydropyran (IV), or any of the hydroxy compounds of formula I, one can react the secondary alcohol with a dicarboxylic acid to form a half-ester. Suitable dicarboxylic acids include lower alkyl dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutamic acid, adipic acid, or aromatic carboxylic acids such as phthalic acid. The resulting half-ester is then reacted with an optically active base, such as brucine, ephedrine, or quinine, to produce a diastereomeric salt. The salts, after separation, are then readily reconverted to optically active alcohols. As an alternative, the secondary alcohol can be reacted with an optical active acid, for example, camphorsulfonic acid. The resulting diastereomeric esters are then separated and reconverted to the alcohols.

It is preferred that the resolution be effected at some stage in the synthesis of alken-3-one, as by the abovementioned resolution of hydroxytetrahydropyran (IV). In a more preferred technique optically active -alkyl- 5-valerolactone is obtained from 5-alkyl-5- oxopentanoic acid via known microbiological pro cesses. The S-form of this lactone is the preferred form for use in accordance with this invention. In a third method, the reacemic lactone can be hydrolyzed to the corresponding hydroxy acid, which is then resolved by treatment with an optically active base in the manner described above. Still other methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Resolution at such early stages in the overall process described herein is highly preferred because of the improved efficiency in the production of steroids having a desired stereoconfiguration. Because the stereo-configuration is retained throughout the synthesis of alken-3-one (II), and further because the condensation of alken-3-one or variant (ll, Ila or llb with cycloalkanedione (III) is stereo-specific, one, by proper selection of stereoisomers at these early stages, can ensure that substantially all of the tricyclic compounds of this invention and the steroids derived therefrom have a selected stereo-configuration. Thus, by this technique, the production of compounds of the undesired configuration is minimized or prevented entirely, with an attendant increase in the efficiency of the production of com-.

pounds of the desired configuration.

In the claims, all compounds shall be construed to in clude, independently, the racemic form of the compound and independently, each enantiomeric form, i.e., and the d and l configurations unless specifically indicated otherwise.

The following examples are illustrative. All temperatures arc in degree Centigrade and all products having centers of asymmetry are racemic unless specifically indicated otherwise.

EXAMPLE 1 (:)-9.9-Ethylencdioxy-S-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone 25 G. of the hemiacetal. (i)-6-[3-( Z-methyl-l .3- dioxolan-2-yl)propyl] tetrahydropyran-Z-ol was dissolved in a mixture of dimethylformamide (DMF) acetic acidwater-sodium acetate (anhydrous) (250 ml; ml. H O/l20 ml DMF/40 ml AcOH/24 g. NaOAc). Bromine (7ml). was then added to the cold (5l0) solution over 2-5 min. and the mixture was then stirred for a further 45 min. at temperature. Aqueous sodium bisulphite solution and brine were then added and the organic products were isolated with benzene (5 X ml.). The benzene extracts were washed with saturated brine solution (5 X 50 ml.) and then taken to dryness in vacuo. The crude lactone, (fin-9,9- ethylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone yielded pure material on distillation bp l38l4()l .02

In another experiment the hemiacetal. ire-[342- methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)propyl] tetrahydropyran-Z-ol gave the lactone, (i)-9,9-ethylenedioxy-5-hydroxydecanoic acid lactone, b.p. l4l-l45/.3 mm.

The starting material may be prepared as follows:

A solution of 2,2-ethylenedioxy-5-chloropentane in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (50 ml; 164 g. in 1600 ml. THF) was added to magnesium (38 g.) activated with a crystal of iodine. This mixture was stirred and heated at reflux until the reaction commenced. The rest of the chloroketal solution was then added over approximately 1 hr. to sustain gentle reflux. After complete ad dition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for a further 2 hr.

A solution of freshly distilled glutaraldehyde 1 10 g.) in THF 1000 m1.) cooled to -40 was treated with the above Grignard reagent (as rapidly as possible) and then stirred 30 min at -30 and a further 1 hr. at 0. Aqueous ammonia chloride solution (300 ml; 25 percent) was then added and the products were isolated with ether. Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave the product as a mobile liquid (185 g.). This material was stirred at 50 with agyeous sodium sulfite solution (1500 ml; 20 percent) and the pH was adjusted first to pH 6.5 with acetic acid and then pH 7.5 with sodium hydroxide solution (20 percent). The aqueous phase after stirring for 1 hr. at 50 was extracted with ether and then treated with caustic soda solution (20 percent) to pH 12. Extraction with benzene then furnished the hemiacetal (:)-6-[3-(2 -methyl-l,3-dioxolan-2-yl)- propyl]tetrahydropyran-2-ol (l 18 g.) as a mobile, pale yellow liquid. A sample was distilled (molecular still) to give a colorless product, b.p. l30132/.l mm.

EXAMPLE 2 (i)9-Oxo-5-hydroxydecanoic acid lactone 52.4 G. of the ketal lactone, (i)-9,9-ethylenedioxy S-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone dissolved in acetone ml.) was treated with water (75 ml.), dilute aqueous sulphuric acid (2N; 45 ml.) and left to stand at room temperature for l6 hr. Addition of brine and extraction with benzene gave the crude lactone. (i)-9 23 oxo--hydroxydecanoic acid lactone which on distillation yielded pure material 98 percent pure by vpc bp 134/.O5 mm.

EXAMPLE 3 (i)-9,9-Phenylenedioxy-5hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone 15 G of a solution of the ketolactone (i)-9-oxo-5- hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone in benzene (300 ml.) was treated with 20 m.p. catechol and 0.6 g. p-toluenesulphonic acid (PTS). The mixture was heated at reflux under nitrogen in conjunction with a soxhlet extraction apparatus equipped with a thimble filled with calcium hydride. After 18 hr. at reflux the mixture was cooled and chromatographed directly on silica gel (0.2-.5 mm mesh; 650 g.). Elution with 5%, 10% and ethyl acetate-benzene mixtures yielded the ketal ester.

Distillation of the above material gave catechol and the desired lactone, (i)-9,9-pheny1enedioxy-5- hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone, bp l52-170/.2 mm. (This was a short path distillation and the majority of the material had bp 157162). A sample of this material was redistilled (Kugel Rhor) and gave material, bp 14054/.O2 mm.

EXAMPLE 4 (:)-6-(4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl)-2-( 2- diethylaminoethyl )-tetrahydropyran-2-ol 1.6 G. of the ketal lactone, (t)-9,9-phenylenedioxy- 5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone in tetrahydrofuran THF; 15 ml.) was cooled to 45 and treated over 5 min. with a solution of.vinyl magnesium chloride in Tl-lF (4.6 ml; 2 mol/liter). After stirring a further 25 min. at 45, methanol (5 ml.) was added followed by an aqueous ammonium chloride solution (15 percent; ml.). The products were extracted into ether and the ether extracts then treated with diethylamine (5 ml.) and dried over magnesium sulphate. Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave the crude Mannich base which was separated from neutral material with dilute aqueous acid 1N.l-l SO.,; 4 X 15 ml.). The aqueous extracts were made basic with caustic potash solution and the products isolated with ether. Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave the Mannich base, (i)-6-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl )-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl tetrahydropyran-2-ol as a mobile liquid.

This material shoed one spot on tlc analysis on development with a benzene/triethylamine (9:1) system.

EXAMPLE 5 (i)-3-(4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a ,B-methy1-1,2,3,5 ,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f] [1]benzopyran-7( 8H )-one 10.6 G. of the Mannich base, (i)-6-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl-2-(2-diethylaminoethy1)- tetrahydropyran-2-ol in toluene (80ml.) was added rapidly to a refluxing solution of 2-methylcyclopentan- 1,3-dione (4.7 g.) in toluene (50 ml.), acetic acid (23.2 ml.) and pyridine (7.2 ml.) under nitrogen. After heating at reflux for a total of 4 hr. (reaction followed by tlc) the mixture was cooled, diluted with toluene (100 ml.) and extracted with water (4 X 50 ml.), saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (1 X 50 ml.), brine (l X 50 ml.) and dried over MgSO Removal of the solvents in vacuo yielded the crude crystalline dienolether, (i)-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a ,B-met- 24 hyl-l ,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopentalf] [l]benzopyran-7(8H )-one, m.p. l l5l 20. A sample of this material was recrystallized from benzenehexane mixture to give pure material mp l26129.

EXAMPLE 6 (i)-3-(4,4Phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a ,B-methyl-l,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8- octahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7Bol 10.7 G. phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a ,62 methyl-l,2;3-;5', 6,6ahexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7(8H)-one dissolved in THF/ether ml; 1:1) was added to a;

slurry of lithium aluminum hydride (4g.) in a THF/ether mixture (400 ml; 1:1) cooled in an ice-salt bath (temp. held at -3). After complete addition the mixture was stirred for a further 10 min. at -5 and 1% hr. at room temperature (followed by tlc). Wet ether (100 ml.) was then added followed by a saturated aqueous solution of sodium sulphate (25 ml.). The coagu lated salts were then filtered off, washed with THE and the filtrate was dried over MgSO. Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave the crude alcohol, (i)-3-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl )-6a,B-methyl-l ,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8-' octahydrocyclopenta[f] l benzopyran-7B-ol EXAMPLE 7 (i)-3-(4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B-methyl- 1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f] [l] benzopyran-7B-ol 1 1.2 G. of the crude dienolether alcohol, (i)-3-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl )-6a,,B-methyll ,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8- octahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7B-ol (this still contains some solvent) was dissolved in toluene (100 ml.) treated with 2 g. of a 5% Pd/C catalyst and hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure. After 5% hr. the uptake of hydrogen stopped (635 ml; theory 700 ml. at room temperature and pressure for 10.7 g.) and the solids were filtered off and washed with toluene. Removal'of the solvents in vacuo gave the enol ether, (i)-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,,B-methyl- 1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9adecahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7B-ol, as an oil.

EXAMPLE 8 (:)-4-( 3-Oxo-7 ,7-pheny1enedioxyoctyl l a,B-methylperhydroindan- 1 ,5-dione phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,8-methyl-4- hydroxyperhydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7B ol as a glass.

This material was virtually pure bytlc and showed no enol ether band in the ir. The stronghydroxyl bands at 3,450 and 3,757 cm. and the characteristic catecholketal bands were most pronounced. 10.37 G. of this crude hydration product, was dissolved in acetone (200 of the crude dienolether, (i)-3-(.4,4--

ml.) cooled in an ice bath and treated at 5 with fresh Jones chromicacid mixture (20 mil) over 10 min. After stirring a further 1 /2 hr. at room temperature, aqueous sodium bisulphite solution (100 ml; 10%) and brine.(.1 00 ml.) were added and the organic materials wereisolated with benzene (4 X 200 ml.). The benzene extract was washed with brine and aqueous sodium carbonate solution (10%) to give the neutral triketone, (i)-4-(3-oxo-7,7-phenylenedioxyoctyl)- la, B-methyI-perhydrQindan-I ,S-dione as a pale yellow liquid. This material showed one major spot on tlc and had bands in their spectrum (film) at 1730 cm" (cyclopentanone, 1705 cm (saturated carbonyl) and i 1480, 1240and 730 cm (catechol ketal).

B-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene- 8.6 G. of a solution of the crude triketone, (i)-4-(3- oxo-7,7-phenylenedioxyoctyl)-1a,B-methyl-perhydroindanl 5-dione in methanol (250 ml.) containing 1 g. of potassium hydroxide was heated at reflux, under nitrogen, for 1 hr. (followed by ir). Benzene (500 ml.) was added and the mixture was extracted with dilute aqueous sulphuric acid (3 X 50 ml 0.5N), saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (1 X 100 ml.), brine and then dried over MgSO (note: all aqueous extracts were backwashed with benzene). Removal of the solvents in vacuo furnished the crude tricyclic material, (i)-6- (3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,/3-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9bhexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7(2H,8l-l)-dione as a semi-solid. This material was digested with ethanol (50 ml.) to give the crystalline material, mp l66l70.

A sample of this material was recrystallized from ethanol to yield pure colorless crystals, m.p. 173175.

EXAMPLE (i)- l 9-Nor-androst-4-ene-3, l 7-dione 4.01 G. of crude (35) -6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)- 3a, 6-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7(2l-l,8H)-dione was dissolved in THF (45 ml.) containing triethylamine (.8 ml.) and 400 mg. of a 5 percent Pd/C catalyst and hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure. After 6 hr., the uptake of hydrogen ceased (280 ml; consumed; theory 285 ml/RTP).

The solids were filtered off, washed with THF and the filtrate was taken todryness in vacuo. The crude hydrogenation product (i) -6(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)- 3a,,B methyl-4,5,6,8,9,9a,9b-octahydro-lH-benz[e]indene'3,7-(2H,8H)-dione (some solvent residue) showed bands in their spectrum (film) at 1705 cm (cyclohcxanone), 1735 cm" (cyclopentanone) and 1480, 1240 and 740 cm "(catechol ketal) and was virtually one spot material on tlc. 4.3 G. of this crude hydrogenation material was dissolved in methanol (70 ml.) and 35 ml of 4N HCl and the solution was heated at reflux for 6 hr. (followed by tlc and ir). The mixture was cooled, treated with benzene (200 ml.) and extracted with aqueous caustic soda solution (1N; 3 X 100 ml.) and brine (2 X 50 ml.). (All aqueous extracts were backwashed with benzene). Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave crude l9-nor-androst4-en-3,17- dione which on crystallization from dichloromethane/isopropyl ether mixture yielded pure t) -19 -norandrost-4-ene-3,l7-dione, mlp. l55l57, identical in all respects with authentic (i)-l9 -nor-androst- 4 -ene-3,.17-dione, mp. mx mp. tlc, ir; and uv.

EXAMPLE ll 3-(4,4-Phcnylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B-ethyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a hexahydrocyclopenta[ f] [l]benzopyran'7(8H )-one (i) 2-(2diethylaminoethyl)-6-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (3.8g) in toluene (20 ml.) was added to a refluxing solution of 2-ethylcyclopentan-l ,3-dione (2 g.) in toluene (40 ml.) and acetic acid (20 ml.) and heated at reflux for 1 hour.

Isolation of the organic materials with toluene gave pure (i) 3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B-ethyl l,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran- 7(8H)-one (2.95 g.) after chromatography on alumina. Uv. (EtOH) )tmax 252 my. (emax Calcd. for C H ,,O,: C, 76.11; H, 7.67; Found C,75.68; H, 7.83.

EXAMPLE 12 6-( 3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl )-3 a,B-ethyl4,5,8,9,9a,9bhexahydrol H-benz[e]inden-3.7-(2H,3aH)-dione Crude (i) 3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)6a,B-ethyll,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran- 7( 8H) -one (47 g.) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (200 ml.) was added to a cold (-l0) slurry oflithium aluminum hydride (6 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (200 ml).

After stirring for 2 hours at room temperature, satu' rated aqueous sodium sulfate solution was added (40 ml.) and the solids were filtered off.

Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave racemic 3- (4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B-ethyll,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7/3-ol as an oil (51 g.) lr.(film) 3,400(OH); 1640 dienol ether); 1,450, 1.240 and 730 cm catechol ketal.

The above crude material was dissolved in toluene, treated with Pd/C (5%; 5 g.) and hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure until the hydrogen uptake stopped (approximately 30 hours).

The solids were filtered off and the solvents removed vacuo to yield crude (i) trans-3-(4,4' phenylcnedioxypentyl)-6a,B-ethyl 1,2,3,5,6'.6a,7,8,9,9a-

decahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7B-ol as an oil (48 g.). 1r. (CHCl 3,425 and 3,580(OH) 1,480 cm (catechol ketal).

The above material was dissolved in acetone (500 ml.) treated with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid (0.5 N; 50 ml.) and left to stand at room temperature for 2 hours. The solution was then cooled to 5 and treated over 30 minutes with fresh Jones chromic acid reagent ml.). The mixture was then stirred for a further 2 hours at room temperature and then quenched with aqueous sodium bisulfite solution (20%; 50 ml.).

isolation of the organic materials with benzene and extration with aqueous sodium carbonate solution gave racemic trans-4-(3oxo-7,7-phenylenedioxyoctyl)- 1a,B-ethyl-perhydroindane-l,S-dione (34.4 g.) after removal of the organic solvents in vacuo. [.R. (Film) 1735 (cyclopentanone); 1,708 (cyclohexanone and straight chain ketone); 1.480; 1,275 and 740' cmi" (catcchol ketal). a {1 The crude bicyclic material (34.4 g.) was dissolved in methanol (1 10 ml.) and added to a reflux solution of potassium hydroxide (3.5 g.) in methanol (200 ml.).

After 1 hour at reflux the organic materials were isolated with benzene and chromatography on cilica gel (800 g.) gave racemic 6(3.3-phenylenedioxybutyl)- 3a.B-ethyl-4.5,8.9.9a.9b-hexahydro-l H-benz[c]inden- 3.7-(2H.3aH)-dione (20 g.) as an oil. 1.R. (CHCI 1735 (cyclopentanone); 1663 and 1600 (cyclohexanone); 1480 cm (catechol ketal).

EXAMPLE 13 (i)-1362 -ethylgon-4-en-3.17-dione Raccmic 6-( 3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl )-3a.B-ethyl- 4,5.8,9.9a.9b-hexahydro lH-hcnz[e]inden-3.7- v

(2H.3aH)-dione (20 g.) was dissolved in ethanol (250 ml.) containing triethylamine (2 ml.) and Pd/C (S /r; 4g.) and hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure until the uptake of hydrogen stopped to yield 6- (3.3-phenylenedioxy)-3a.,8-ethyl-4,5,5a.6.8.9.9a.9boctahydro-lH-benzle]indenc-3.7-(2H.8H)-dione solution. i

EXAMPLE 14 2R.6S-2[2-(R-a-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl) tetrahydropyran-Z-ol and 2S,6R-2[2-( R-a-phenethylamino)-ethyl]-6-(4 ,4 phenylenedioxypentyl) tetrahydropyran-Z-ol (i) 9,9-Phenylenedioxy--hydroxy decanoic acid lactone (11.1 g.) dissolved in tetrahydrofu ran (100 ml.) at 50 was treated with vinylmagnesium chloride solution (39 ml.; 2 molar in T.H.F.) over 3 minutes. The mixture was then stirred at 45 for 25 minutes, quenched with methanol ml.) and ammonium chloride solution (15%; 100 ml.) and extracted with ether.

Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave the crude vinyl ketone as an oil. This material was dissolved in benzene ml.) and treated with a solution of a-phenethylamine (3.9 g.) in benzene (20 ml.) and left at room temperature for 3 hours.

The solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue extracted with hexane. This hexane extract was filtered through alumina (50 g.) to give the mixture of diastereomeric bases (11 g.) as a liquid.

This material was dissolved in hexane and left to crystallize. Recrystallization yielded the pure 2S,6R, 2[2- (R-a-phenethylamino)ethyl]6-(4,4- I phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol, 72-76; [a,,]=+37 (c L' 5 benzene).

The mother liquors from the first crystallization were taken to dryness and dissolved in acetone (25 ml.). This solution was added to oxalic acid (2g) in acetone (30 ml.) and left to crystallize.

1 Recrystallization of the solids from acetone yielded pure 2R,6S. 2-[Z-(R-a-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl) tetrahydropyran-Z-ol oxalate. m. p. [11 +2l (c 1.248, methanol).

EXAMPLE 15 3S.6aS.3-( 4.4-phenylenedioxypentyl )-6a,B-methyl- 1.2.3 ,5 .6,6a-hexahydrocyclopental f] l]benzopyran- 7(8H )-one 2S.6R-2[2-(R-a-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl) tetrahydropyran-2-ol (1.25 g.) in toluene (45 ml.) and aqueous acetic acid (18 ml.; was treated with pyridine (9 ml.) and 2- m'ethylcyclopentane-l,3-dione (0.5 g.) and heated at 1 10 for 7 hours. After this time the water was taken off with a'Dean-Stark separator 45 minutes) and the mixture cooled.

Isolation of the materials with benzene and chromatography on alumina yielded the dienol ether.

Crystallization from hexane gave optically pure 35,6- aS.3(4.4-phenylenedioxypentyl)6a,B-methyl- 1.2.3.5.6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran- 7(8H)-one. m.p. 109ll2, [01 121 (c 1.0 CHC1 EXAM PLE 16 (+)-19-norandrost-4-en-3,17-dione -3R;6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B-methyl- 1,2,3 ,5,6.6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f] [-1 ]benzopyran- 7('8H)-one was converted in good yield into the abovecaptioned product having a melting point of 172 using the procedure of Examples 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

1 EXAMPLE 17 i)-6-( 4.4-Phenylenedioxypentyl )-tetrahydropyran2- Freshly distilledglutaraldehyde g.) dissolved in dry THF (700 ml.) was cooled to -65 and treated rapidly with the cold (20) Grignard reagent over -30 min. (the temperature was held at -60 -50C. with a dry ice acetone bath). The mixture was then allowedv to warm up to room temperature (-1 hr.) and then stirred a further 90 min. at room temperature (Note: sometimes on warming to room temperature an exotherm sets in and cooling is required). The reaction mixture can be stored 16-24 hr. at 5 or worked up after 90 min. at room temperature.

To work up, the reaction mixture was cooled to 5 and treated with an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride ml; 24 percent). The solids were filtered off, washed well with more THF and the THF was removed in vacuo to yield the crude hemiacetal (i)-6- (4.4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (270 g). This material assayed for -75 percent purity by chromatography on silica gel. The starting material may be prepared as follows:

A. Preparation of the Grignard reagent I A total of 100 ml. of a solution of 2,2- phenylenedioxy-5-chloropentane in dry tetrahydrofuran obtained by adding 213 g. of the chloroketal to 29 1.4 l. of THF distilled from calcium hydride was added to 28 g. of magnesium turnings activated with iodine under nitrogen.

The mixture was then heated to 36-38 for min. and then treated with dibromoethane (0.5 ml.) ln general, the reaction became mildy exothermic at this point and had to be cooled to maintain the temperature rangeof 3638C. After stirring 20 min. more, the restof the chloroketal solution was added over -l hr. Again cooling was required. After stirring a further 4 560 min. the exotherm subsided and the mixture was heated to 36-38 for a further 2 hours after which time virtually no starting material remains.

The Grignard reagent can be stored under nitrogen at 5 for several days. The progress of the reaction was followed by vapor phase chromatography. Thus, an aliquot (0.5 ml.) of the reaction mixture was added to aqueous ammonium chloride solution (2 ml; 15 percent) and ether (0.5 ml.). The organic extract was then analyzed at 150C. on an 8 inch Ainch column with 3 percent SE 30 silicone on chom. w. (80l00) AW DAKS.

B. Production of dry glutaraldehyde Aqueous glutaraldehyde solution (1 1.; 50 percent Union Carbide) was treated with benzene (2 l.) cooled to 5 and dried with magnesium sulfate (700 g.) for 15 min. The solution was then heated at reflux for 1 hr. in conjunction with a Dean and Stark water separator. The solvents were then removed in vacuo (50 at 10 mm) and the residue distilled to give a center cut (315 g.) of dry glutaraldehyde, b.p. 808l/-10 mm.

EXAMPLE 18 (35 )-9,9-Phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone a. A solution of sodium hydroxide (91 g.) in water (225 ml.) was added to silver nitrate (195 g.) dissolved in water (650 ml.) at room temperature and then the mixture was heated to 5560. Methanol (1,300 ml.) was then added and the temperature fell to 45. A solution of (i)-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-Z-ol (107.7 g. crude) in methanol 150 ml.) was then added over 10 min. The temperature rose to 53 and after the initial exotherm the mixture was heated, with stirring, under nitrogen for a further 1 hr. The solids were filtered off and washed well with a methanol-water mixture (1:1; 3 X 200 ml.). The filtrate was then extracted with toluene (500 ml.) acidified to pH with aqueous sulfuric acid (6N) and extracted with dichloromethane (4 X 500 ml.) Removal of the solvents in vacuo yielded a mixture of the lactone and hydroxy acid (83 g.). This material was dissolved in benzene (500 ml.) and treated with p-toluenesulfonic acid (2 g.) in more benzene (100 ml.). After standing for 1 hr. at room temperature the mixture was washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and the organic solvents were removed in vacuo to yield virtually pure lactone (i)-9,9'phenylenedioxy-S-hydroxydecanoic acid lactone (76 g.) (as estimated by tlc and ir).

b The hemiacetal (:t)6-(4,4-

phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (1.77 g.) in ethyl acetate (100 ml.) containing platinum black (922 mg.) was stirred at room temperature under an atmosphere. of oxygen for 48 hr. The solids were filtered off and the product (i)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5- hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone was isolated by distilla tion (1.5 g.).

c. The crude hemiacetal (i)-6-(4,4-

phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-Zol (233 g.) dissolved in toluene (1.2 1.) was added to a solution of sodium dichromate bishydrate (315 g.) in acetic acid (1.2 1.). The reaction mixture was held at 35 with cooling until no longer exothermic (-2 hrs.), and then stirred -16 hrs. at room temperature. Water (2.5 l.) was added and the materials were isolated with toluene (4 X 500 ml.). The combined toluene extracts were washed with brine and distilled to give the lactone (i)- 9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone g.) of moderate purity (-80 percent). A purer product was obtained when the toluene layer was washed first with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (44-46 percent yield vpc pure).

d. The crude hemiacetal (:)-6-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran2-ol (78 g.) in DMF (400 ml.) was added to a solution of bromine (30.5 ml.) in a buffer mixture (640 ml.) (420 ml. H O/480 DMF/160 ml. AcOH/l60 g. NaOAc.2H O) at 05C.

After stirring 1 hr. at room temperature, aqueous sodium bisulfite was added (250 ml; 15 percent) and the organic materials were isolated with benzene. Removal of the solvents gave a brown colored oil which was dissolved in methanol (500 ml.) and treated with potassium hydroxide (30 g.) dissolved in water (300 ml.) After 30 min. at room temperature, water (500 ml.) was added and the mixture was extracted with ether. The aqueous phase was acidified andextracted with methylene chloride. Removal of the solvents in vacuo and distillation of the residue (oil jacketed flask at 0.3 mm) gave the lactone (i)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5- hydroxy-decanoic acid lactone (2933 g.) This material was contaminated by some aromatic-ring brominated material.

EXAMPLE 19 2S,6R-2-[Z-(S-a-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl)Tetrahydropyran-Z-ol-oxalate The lactone (+)-9.9-phenylenedioxy 5-hydroxydecanoic acid lactone (118 g.) dissolved in THF(1 l.) was cooled to -70C. under nitrogen. A solution of vinyl magnesium chloride (315 ml; 2.28 molar) in THF was added over 6 min. (temp. held between 50 and 70) and the mixture was then stirred a further 14 min. at 50. After this time the temperature was lowered to 65 and methanol (50 ml.) was added (3 min.) followed by aqueous ammonium chloride solution (500 ml; 10 percent). (The temperature rose to -5).

The products were then isolated with ether (5 X 500 ml.) and dried with MgSO.,. The solids were filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to -200 ml. in vacuo at 4045. The concentrate was treated with benzene (250 ml.) and a solution of (S)-a-phenethylamine (51 g.) in benzene ml.) and kept at room temperature overnight (3-4 hr. will suffice; slight cooling is initially required). The solvents were taken to dryness and the residue (193 g.) was extracted with boiling hexane (l X 500 ml. and 2 X 250 ml.) and the combined hexane extracts were again taken to dryness in vacuo. The residue (157.2 g.) was dissolved in acetone (400 ml.) and added to a solution of oxalic acid (49 g.) in acetone (400 ml.) After standing 8 hrv at room temperature and 8 hr. at -5, the solids were filtered off, washed with acetone (2 X 100 ml.) and dried over P at 0.5 mm. This solid (84.2 g.) had m.p. 7882, [a],, 2l (c 6.45, methanol and was recrystallized from methyl ethyl ketone (1.1 1.) (some insoluble solidswere filtered off) and gave pure 2S,6R-2-[2-(S-aphenethylamino)ethyl]-6(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)- tetrahydropyran-Z-ol oxalate (51.2 g.), m.p. 8183, a 23.3(c 3.95, methanol).

Anal. Calcd for C H NO (CO H) C, 65.23; H, 7.23; N, 2.72. Found: C, 64.91; H, 7.09; H, 2.49.

All the mother liquors were taken to dryness and the residue was partitioned between water (800 ml.) and hexane (400 ml.). Theaqueous phase was re-extracted with hexane (400 ml.) and the combined hexane extracts were then washed with aqueous acetic acid percent).

All the aqueous phases were combined and made basic with sodium carbonate solution (130 g. in 400 ml. H O). The organic materials were extracted into hexane and yielded an oily solid on concentration (75 g.). This material was recrystallized three times from hexane to give pure 2R,6S-2-[2-(S-a-phenethylamino)- ethyl]-6-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran- 2-01 (40 g.), m.p. 7880; [01], 37(c 3.42; benzene).

Anal. Calcd. for C H NO C, 73.38; H, 8.29; N, 3.29. Found: C, 73.68; H, 8.40; N, 3.47.

All the above mother liquors were taken to dryness and dissolved in a mixture of acetone (100 ml.) and dilute aqueous sulfuric acid (IN; 100 ml.) and left to stand at room temperature for 2 hr. The mixture was made basic with aqueous sodium carbonate solution and the products were isolated with hexane. (This hydration procedure was necessary as extensive dehydro Mannich base was generated in all the manipulations; particularly in the oxalate recrystallization).

The crude extract (-19 g.) in acetone (50 ml.) was added to oxalic acid (6 g.) in more acetone (50 ml.). Recrystallization of the precipitate (15.8 g., m.p. 757 8) from methyl ethyl ketone gave a further quantity of pure oxalate salt (12.9 g.) [a ,,23.6(c 3.19, methanol).

[Notez Both the melting points and the rotations of the oxalate salts are dependent on the severity of the drying. This is probably due to the possible formation of solvates.] I

EXAMPLE 2O 2S,6R-2-[2-( R-a-phenethylamino )ethyl]-6(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran2'ol The procedure of Example 19 was repeated with the enantiomeric amine (R)a-phenethylamine. Thus, the lactone (i)-9,9-phenylenedioxy-5-hydroxy-dedanoic acid lactone (54 g, 8090 percent purity) generated a crude base (-90 g.) which was processed as follows.

The 'crude product was partitioned between methanol-water-hexane-acetic acid (300:300:50:350 ml.). The hexane extract was washed with methanolwater-acetic acid (100 ml; 1:1:0.2). The combined aqueous phases were then extracted with hexane/- benzene mixture (400 ml; 2:1) and then made basic with cold aqueous caustic potash (4N; -O ml.) (gave bad emulsion). Extraction with hexane then gave the purified amine base (58 g.) as an amber colored oil. Crystallization from hexane gave pure 2S,6R-2[2-(R- a-phenethylamino)ethyl]-6(4,4-

32 phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropy'ran-2 ol (17.7 g; after combining other crops), r m.p. 77 07 +37 (c 1.053; benzene).

Anal. Ca lcd for C H NO C, 73138; 3.29. Found? (373.63; H, 8.41; N, 3.26.

All the hexane mother liquors were taken to (37 g.), dissolved in acetone ml.) and added.to

oxalic acid (14 g.) dissolved inacetone (IQ O ml.). The

solid formed 31 g.) was recrystallized from methyl ethyl ketone (250 ml.) to give 2R,6 S 2-[2-(R-oz phenethylamino)-ethyl]-6-(4,4- I phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-o1 oxalate Anal. Calcd. for c u woxco mgz c, 65.23; -i,

7.23; N, 2.72. Found: C, 65.31; H, 7.31; N, 2.7.

EXAMPLE 21 3S,6aS-3-(4,4 phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B-methylv 1,2,3,5,6,6a-Hexahydrocyclopenta[f][1]Bcnzopyransodium bicarbonate (1.07 g.) and heated at reflux, under nitrogen, for 1 1 hr. The solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between ether and dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (2N). The ether layer was then washed with aqueous sodium bisulfate solution (3 X 100 ml; 20 percent), brine and dried over sodium sulfate. Removal of the solvents in vacuo yielded the methanol adduct 2S-( 2-methoxyethy1)-6R (4,4-phcnylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-Z-ol (12.6 g.) as an oil [oz],,+8.94 (c 1.6328, benzene) having ir bands (film) at 3,475 (OH) 1712 (open ketohydroxy form); 1,490, 1,240 and 740 cm (catechol ketal). This compound presumably comprises the open and closed form tautomers. The crude methanol adduct (12.6 g.) was dissolved in a mixture of toluene (300 ml.), acetic acid 150 ml.), water (5 ml.) containing Z-methylcyclopentan-l,3-dione (4.47 g.) and heated at reflux for 8 hr. A Dean and Stark water trap was then attached and the mixture was heated at reflux for a further 90 min. The mixture was cooled, treated with benzene (500 ml.) and washed with water, aqu'e- I ous sodium carbonate solution and dried over MgSO Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave an orange colored gum (15.3 g.). Crystallization from isopropyl alcohol ml.) gave the dienol ether 3S,6aS-3-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l] benzopyran-7,(8H)-one (7.9 g.). Recrystallization gave pale orange needles (7.3 g.), m.p. 11 2-113, [aj -122.3 (c 1.15; chloroform).

Anal Calcd. for C H O C, 75.76; H, 7.42. Found C, 75.99; H, 7.63.

(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol oxalate i The oxalate salt (a -23,3"; 15.45 g.) was dissolved in methanol (360 ml.) containing sodium bicarbonate (6 g; anhydrous) and benzaldehyd'e (4.5 'ml.) and heated under nitrogen at reflux for 16 hr. The methanol w adduct was then worked up as in (a) above to yield the methanol adduct as a pale yellow colored oil (9.9 g); ir (film) 3450(OH), 1700 (sat C=O open hemiketal), 1480, 1260. 770 (cateehol ketal). 1100 cm" (methoxy). Conversion of this product to the dienol ether followed the procedure of (a) above and gave pure 3S,- 6aS,3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B-methyll,2,3.5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f]{llbenzopyran- 7,(8H)-one (5.5 g.) [a],,l2l (c -2; chloroform).

c. Direct conversion of 2S.6R-2-[2-(R'aphenethylamino) ethyl]-6(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydrQpyran-Zol A total of 850 mg. of ZS,6R-2-[2-'(R-aphenethylamino) ethyl]-6-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl)tetrahydropyran-Z-ol was dissolved in a mixture of toluene (30 ml.). aqueous acetic acid (12 ml; 90 percent) pyridine (6 ml.), 2-methylcyclopentan-l,3-dione (330 mg.) and heated at reflux under nitrogen for 16 hr. A Dean and Stark water trap was then attached and the water was separated for 35 min. Work up as in (a) above and filtration of the crude product through alumina (5 ml; grade 111 neutral) gave the dienol ether mixture (575 mg.) as a pale yellow solid. Crystallization from isopropyl alcohol gave 3S,6aS-3-(4,4-phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B- methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyelopenta[f][l]benzo pyran-7,(8)-one as needles (397 mg.) [a],,-1l9 (c -2; chloroform); recrystallization raised the rotation to [a],,121.

EXAMPLE 22 C/D-Trans-3-( 4,4-Phenylenedioxypentyl )-6a,B methyl-1.2.3.5 .6,6a,7,8,9,9adecahydrocyclopenta[ f] l]benzopyran-7B-ol The dienol ether 3S,6aS-3-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a,B-methyl-l ,2,3 .5,6,6ahexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7,(8H)-one (14 g.) dissolved in THF (100 ml.) was added to a slurry of lithium aluminum hydride g.) in THF (100 ml.) at 5C. After stirring for 2 hr. at room temperature wet ether (200 ml.) and saturated aqueous sodium sulfate solution (30 ml.) was added. After stirring a further 1 hr. at room temperature the solids were filtered off and washed with ether. After drying the combined filtrate over MgSO the solvents were taken to dryness in vacuo to yield a glass (15.5 g.). Thismaterial was dissolved in dry THF (100 ml.), treated with 5 percent Pd/C (1.5 g.) and hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure. After one mole of hydrogen had been consumed (usually 2-8 hr. required), the solids were filtered off, washed with more THF and the combined filtrates taken to dryness in vacuo. This gave a mixture of the above-titled enol ethers (15 g.). The nmr spectrum showed two methyl signals for the C methyl indicating -3:1 mixture of the C/D trans to the C/D cis isomers.

EXAMPLE 23 The crude enol-ether mixture C/D trans-3-(4,4- phenylenedioxypentyl)-6a.,Bmethyl 1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9.9adecahydrocyclopentalf]ll]bcnzopyran7B-ol 15 g.) dissolved in acetone 150 ml.) was treated with aque ous sulfuric acid (.SN; 50 ml.) at room temperature for 2 hr. (followed by tlc). Brine (500 ml.) was added and the products were isolated with ether to give a glass which contained a major amount phenylenedioxypentyl)-4-hydroxy-6a,8 methyl:

perhydrocyclopentalf] l l]benzopyran -7B-ol. This material dissolved in acetone (300 was cooled to 0-5 and treated over 20 min. with fresh Jones chromic acid mixture (45 ml.). The mixture was then stirred an additional 2 /2 hr. at room temperature. Aqueous sodium bisulfite solution (100 ml; 10 percent) and brine (250 ml.) were added and the products were iso' lated by extraction with benzene. The combined benzene extracts were washed with dilute sodium carbonate solution (5 percent; 100 ml.) and taken to dryness in vacuo. The crude triketone 4 (3oxo7,7- phenylenedioxyoctyl l aB-methyl-perhydroindanl ,5- dione (13.3g.) showed strong bands in the infra red spectrum (chloroform) at 1,735 and 1,710 and 1,480 (catechol ketal) cm and no hydroxyl band. The crude triketone was dissolved in methanol (100 ml.) and added to a solution of potassium hydroxide (2 g.) in methanol (50 m1.) under nitrogen. The deep red colored solution was then heated in reflux for min., treated with acetic acid (3 ml.) and taken to dryness. The residue was partitioned between benzene and sodium carbonate solution (5 percent) and gave the crude tricyclic material phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,B-methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9bhexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione on concentration to dryness 1 1.1 g.). Crystallization from methylene chloride: isopropyl ether mixture (10:30) gave crystalline material (6.43 g.). This material dissolved in ethanol (50 ml.) and left at room temperature, twice filtered free of solids (-20 min. intervals) and then cooled to 5 and seeded with pure product. After 16 hr. (at O5) the solids were isolated (4.5 g.), m.p. 118-120, [a] +40.34 (c -2; chloroform). From the various mother liquors a further quantity of material (1.06 g.) was obtained, m.p. [a],,+40.39 (c-= -2; chloroform).

A sample of the bulked material was filtered through alumina (neutral, grade III) in benzene and recrystallized from ethanol to yield the analytical sample of (+)-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)3a,B-methyl- 4,5,8,9,9a,9bhexahydro'1H'benz[e]indene-3,7- (2H,3aH)-dione, m.p. 117119, [a] +40.77 (c 1.7267, chloroform).

Anal. Calcd. for C H O C, 75.76; H, 7.42. Found:

EXAMPLE 24 (+)-l9-Nor-Androst-4-ene-3,17-dione The tricyclic compound (+)-6-( 3,3

phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a,l3methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9bhexahydro-1H-benz[e]indene-3,7-(2H,3aH)-dione (3.8 g; [a],,+40.34) was dissolved in THF (35 ml.) containing triethylamine (0.7 ml.) and 5 percent Pd/C (0.4 g.) and hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure until one mole equivalent of hydrogen had been consumed. The solids were filtered off and the filtrate was taken to dryness in vacuo to yield a colorless glass. This material was dissolved in ethanol (30 ml.), treated with aqueous hydrochloric acid (2N; 20 ml.) and heated at reflux under nitrogen for 4 hr. The solvents were partially removed in vacuo and the residue was extracted with benzene. The combined benzene extracts were washed with aqueous sodium'carbonate 35 solution (10 percent) and sodium hydroxide Solution (1N). Removal of the solvents gave a white solid"(2.8 g.), [01],, +125 (c 2.2", chloroform).' Recrystallization from methylene chloride-isopropyl ether mixture gave crystalline material (2.08 g.), -m. p. l69l72 (hot stage); 168170 (Hoover) [01],, +l39.5 (c 3.03; chloroform). Recrystallization from aqueous methanol gave pure (+)-l9-nor-adrost-4-ene-3,l7- dione (1.86 g.), m.p. 172174 (hot stage) and 168l70 (Hoover) [01],, +l41.9.

EXAMPLE 25 4,4-( 2,3-Naphthalenedioxy 1 -chloropentane A mixture of 2,3-naphthalenediol (13.3 g.) and -chloro-2-pentanone (5 g.) in benzene (100 ml.) containing p-toluenesulfonic acid 100 mg.) was heated at reflux under nitrogen in, conjunction with a Dean and Stark water trap for 18 hr. The cold reaction mixture was treated with benzene 100 ml.) and washed with aqueous sodium carbonate solution (3 X 30 ml; 10 percent), brine and dried over magnesium sulfate (MgSO.,. anhydrous). The solids were filtered off and the filtrate was passed through a column of alumina (25 ml; neutral grade Ill). Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave an oil (7.3 g.) which yielded pure 4,4-(2,3- naphthalenedioxy)-l-chloropentane (5.4 g.) on distillation, b. p. 139-14l/0.07 mm.

Anal.calcd. for C H, =,O Cl: C, 68.57; H, 5.75; Cl, 13.49. Found: C, 68.41; H, 5.67; C1, 13.49.

EXAMPLE 26 4,4-( 4,5Dimethylphenylenedioxy 1 chlorpentane A mixture of 4,5-dimethylcatechol (34.4 g.) and 5-chloro-2-pentanone (30 g.) in benzene (600 ml.) containing p-toluenesulfonic acid (600 mg) was heated, under nitrogen, at reflux in conjunction with a Dean and Stark water trap for 18 hr. More. benzene (300 ml.) was added and the dark colored mixture was washed with aqueous sodium carbonate solution (3 X 150 ml; 10 percent), brine (250 ml.) and dried over MgSO Removal of the benzene in vacuo 'gave'a dark EXAMPLE 27 (i)-6-[4,4-( 2,3-Naphthalenedioxy )pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol was heated to 40 andtreated with dibromoethane .3 ml.). After the initial exotherm (slight) had subsided the rest of the solution was added. The mixture was 4,4-( 2,3-naphthalenedioxy l then heated at 35-37 for a further 3 /z4 hr. with stirring. (The progress of the reaction was followed by quenching an aliquote (0.5 ml.) with aqueous ammonium chloride solution (2 ml; 15 per cent) and ether (0.5 ml.) and analyzing the organic phase by vpc at 200C.) Dry redistilled glutaraldehyde (7.6 g.) dissolved in THF (60 ml.) was cooled to 60 and treated with the above Grignard reagent 10-15 min.) keeping the temperature at 60 50. The mixture was then warmed to room temperature over 3 hr. After this time (tlc indicated complete reaction) the mixture was cooled to 5 and treated with aqueous ammonium chloride solution (45 ml; saturated). The solids were filtered off, washed well with more THF and the combined filtrate was taken to dryness in vacuo. The crude hemiacetal (:t)-6-[4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyl tetrahydropyran-Z-ol (24.7 g.) was chromatographed on silica gel (750 g; .2-.5 mm mesh) and yielded pure product (15.6 g.) on elution with benzene-ethyl acetate mixtures (9:1; 4:1 and 7:3). 7

Anal. Calcd. for C l-1 O C, 73.14; H, 7.37. Found: C, 72.84; H, 7.67.

Ir showed bands at 3600-(OH), 1470 and 1250- cm (naphthalenedioxy).

EXAMPLE 28 (:)-6-[4,4-( 4,5dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]- tetrahydropyran-Z-ol The chloroketal 4,4-(4,5dimethylphenylenedioxy)- l-chlorpentane (24 g.) in THF (400 ml.) was converted into the Grignard reagent with magnesium (3.65 g.) as in Example 27. The above solution was then added to dry redistilled glutaraldehyde (10 g.) in THF (150 ml.) as before to yield the crude hemiacetal (i)- 6-[ 4,4-( 4,5 dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl tetrahydropyran-Z-ol (32.5 g.) after the same workup. Chromatography on silica gel (900 g; 0.2-0.5 mm mesh) yielded pure material (13.8 g.).

Anal. Calcd. for C H O C, 70.56; H, 8.55 Found: C, 69.73; H, 8.27.

It showed bands at 3600 (OH), 1500 and 1260 cm (Phenylenedioxy).

EXAMPLE 29 (i)-l 1,1l-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-3,7-dihydroxy-ldodccene The hemiacetal 0- 44, 4

added and the solids were filtered off and washed with more THF. The combined THF filtrates were taken to dryness in vacuo to yield the crude vinyl diol (i)- 1 1,1 1 (2,3naphthalenedibxy)-3,7 dihydroxy-ldodecene (17.2 g.). Chromatography on'silica gel (510 g; .2-.5 mm mesh) gave pure product (13.3 g.) on elution-with benzene-ethyl acetate mixtures (7:3; 1:1 and 1:3).

Anal. Calcd. for C H O C, 74.13; H, 7.92. Found: C, 73.75; H, 7.80.

EXAMPLE 3O (:)-1 1,1 1-(4,5dimethylphenylenedioxy)-3,7-dihydroxy-l-dodecene The I hemiacetal (i)-6-[4,4-(4,5- dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (13.7 g.) dissolved in THF ml.) was treated with vinyl magnesium chloride solution "(60.5 ml; 2.0 molar in THF) as in Example 29. Workup and chromatography on silica gel as in the previous example gave the Anal. Calcd. for C H O C, 71.83; H. 9.04. Found: C 71.79; H, 9.27.

. 1R shows bands at 3610 and 3450 (OH), 1500 and 1255 (phenylenedioxy) and 860 cm (C=CH EXAMPLE 31 :(i)-2(2-diethylaminoethyl)-4,4-(2,3- naphthalenedioxy)pentyltetrahydropyran-2-ol Manganese dioxide (140 g.) was added to benzene (400 ml.) andcooled to -5. Dicthylamine (400 ml.) was slowly added followed by a solution of the vinyl diol (i)-1 1,1 1-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)3,7-dihydroxyl-dodecane (14.4 g.) in benzene (100 ml.). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hr., filtered free of solids and the residue was washed well with benzene. Removal of the benzene from the combined extracts gave a brown colored oil (21.2 g.). This material was dissolved in ether (200 ml.) and extracted with cold aqueous hydrochloric acid (IN; 4 X 50 ml.). The aqueous phase was made basic with caustic potash solution (2N) and the product was isolated with ether. Removal of the solvents yielded (i)-2- (2- diethylaminoethyl)-4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)pentyltetrahydropyran-Z-ol (16.2 g.) as an amber colored oil.

Ir had bands at 3,600 (bonded OH and NH) 1,250 and 1,470 cm (naphthalenedioxy).

EXAMPLE 32 (i)-2'( 2-diethylaminoethyl )-6-[ 4,4- dimethylphenylenedioxy )pentyl]tetrahydropyran-2ol A solution of the vinyl diol (i)-l 1,1 1-(4,5- dimethylphenylenedioxy)-3,7-dihydroxy-1-dodecene 1 1.5 g.) in benzene (100 ml.) was treated with manganese dioxide 1 g.) as in Example 31. After acid purification the product (i)-2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-6- [4,4-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol 1 1.6 g.) was obtained as a pale yellow oil.

Anal. Calcd. for C ,,H NO C, 71.07; H, 9.69; N, 3.45. Found: C, 70,87; H, 9.74; N, 3.15.

IR showed bands at 3100 (broad, bonded OH and NH) 1500 and 1260 cm (phenylenedioxy).

EXAMPLE 33 (i)-3-[4 4-( 2,3-Naphthalenedioxy )pentyl ]-6aB- methy1*1,2,3,5 ,6,6a-hexahydro-cyclopenta-[f][1]-benzopyran-7( 8H )-one A mixture of (:t)-2-(Z-diethylaminoethyl)-4,4-(2,3- naphthalenedioxy)pentyl-tetrahydropyran-2-ol 1.51 g.), toluene (8 m1.), acetic acid (2 ml.) and 2-methylcyclopentan-l,3-dione (470 mg.) was heated at reflux, under nitrogen for 90 min. Dilution with benzene (50 ml.) and extraction with water, aqueous sodium carbonate solution and brine yielded the dienol ether 1.5 g.) as an orange-yellow colored oil. A sample of this material was filtered through a column of alumina (grade 11]; neutral; 10:1) in benzenehexane 1:1)

mixture. Removal of the solvents in vacuo and crystalli- EXAMPLE 34 (:t)-3-[ 4,4-(4,5-Dimethylpheny1enedioxy )pentyl]-6a,8- methyl-l ,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyc1openta[f] [l]benzopyran7( 8H)-one A mixture of (i)-2-(2-diethy1aminoethyl)-6'[4,4- dimethylphenylencdioxy)pentyl]-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (11.5 g.), toluene (60 m1.), acetic acid (15.2 ml.) and Z-methylcyclopentane-l ,3-dione (3.6 g.) was heated at reflux for 1 hour and then 30 min. more in conjunction with a Dean and Stark water trap. Workup as in Exam ple 33 gave the dienol ether. as a brownredCcolored solid l 1.1 g.). A sample of this material after filtration through alumina (neutral; grade 111) yielded pure (i)- 3-[4,4-(4,5-dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyl]-6a,8- methyl-l ,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f] [l]benzo pyran7(8H)-one on crystallization from hexane, m.p. 125127.

Anal. Calcd. for C ,,H O C, 76.44; H, 7.90. Found:

EXAMPLE 35 C/D-trans-3-[ 4,4-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy )penty1]-6aB- methyl-1,2,3 ,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9adecahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7B-ol The crude dienol ether (::)-3-[4,4-(2,5- naphthalenedioxy)-pentyl]-6a,B-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6ahexahydro-cyclopenta[f][1]-benzopyran-7(8H)-one (11.7 g.) dissolved in THF (120 ml.) was cooled to 5 and treated, dropwise with sodium-bis-(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminate (Fr. Pat. No. 1,515,582) (7.1 ml; percent w/w in benzene). After stirring for a further 1 hr. at room temperature, ether (500 ml.) was added followed by dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (2N; 100 ml.). The organic phase was washed with brine and dried over MgSO Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave a glass comprising racemic 3-[4,4-(2,3- naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-6a,B-methyl- 1,2,3,5 ,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocycl0pentalf][1]benzopyran-7B-ol. This was one major spot on the tlc analysis and showed bands in the ir spectrum (CHC1 solution) at 3,600 and 3,450 (OH), 1,645 (dienol ether) and 1,465v cm (naphthalenedioxy).

The crude material (11.6 g.) was dissolved in THF (200 ml.) containing 5 percent Pd/C (l g.) and hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure until one mole of hydrogen had been consumed. The solids were filtered off washed well with more THF and the combined filtrates were taken to dryness in vacuo to give product (11.7 g.) as a glass which contained a major amount of C/Dtrans-3-[4,4-(2,3- naphthalenedioxy)pentyl]-6aB-methyll,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9adecahydrocyclopenta[f] [1]benzopyran-7,B-ol.

This material was one major spot on tlc analysis and showed bands in the ir spectrum (film) at 3,450 (OH), 1,650 (enol ether) 1,470 and 1,250 cm" (naphthalenedioxy). The nmr spectrum showed two methyl signals at 80.78 ppm in the ratio of approximately :15 indicating the relative amounts of C/D trans and C/D cis material respectively.

EXAMPLE 36 C/D-trans-3-[ 4,4-( 4,5- dimethylphenylenedioxy)pentyll-6aB-methyl- 1,2,3 ,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9adecahydrocyclopenta[f] l]benzopyran-7B-ol 

1. A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA
 2. The compounds of claim 1 where Y is selected from the group consisting of 3,3-(phenylenedioxy)-butyl; 3,3-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-butyl and 3,3-(4,5-dimethyl-phenylenedioxy)-butyl.
 3. The compound of claim 2 which is 6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a, Beta -methyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz(e)indene-3,7-(2H,8H)-dione and its optical enantiomers.
 4. The compound of claim 2 which is 6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a, Beta -ethyl-4,5,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz(e)-indene-3,7-(2H,8H)-dione and its optical enantiomers.
 5. A compound of the formula
 6. The compounds of claim 5 wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of 3,3-(phenylenedioxy)-butyl; 3,3-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-butyl and 3,3-(4,5-dimethyl-phenylenedioxy)-butyl.
 7. The compound of claim 6 which is ( + or - )-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a, Beta -methyl-4,5,5a,6,8,9,9a,9b-octahydro-1H-benz(e)indene-3,7-(2H,8H)-dione and the optically active enantiomers thereof.
 8. The compound of claim 6 which is ( + or - )-6-(3,3-phenylenedioxybutyl)-3a, Beta -ethyl-4,5,5a,6,8,9,9a,9b-octahydro-1H-benz(e)indene-3,7-(2H,8H)-dione and the optically active enantiomers thereof. 